- CHERYL G. CRUZ
Mayor Alfredo Benitez Friday thanked tycoon Hans Sy of SM Prime Holdings “for his commitment to Bacolod’s growth” as the latter announced several projects that “reflect (his) unwavering belief” in the city’s potential.
Among these initiatives is the redevelopment of Manokan Country, which Sy said, is known for its local and cultural significance.
“It is not just a dining destination but a symbol of Bacolod’s identity,” Sy said in his message during the Spring Festival Gala at the SMX Convention Center Jan. 30, adding that SM Prime’s collaboration with the city “aims to create a future-ready and disaster-resilient infrastructure.”
The city and SM Prime have a 40-year contract for the lease and development of various city properties near the mall, including the Manokan Country, all with an aggregate area of 16,875 square meters, or 1.68 hectares.
At the contract signing at the Government Center on Oct. 20, 2023, a check for P131.89 million was received by Benitez from SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, as advance rental payment, which signaled the start of the redevelopment of Manokan Country.
Sy, who was honored as adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod Jan. 30 for this year’s Bacolaodiat Festival celebration, stressed that “this redevelopment is more than a structural upgrade; it is a step toward preserving Bacolod’s traditions while embracing its potential as a world-class city.”
He added that a revitalized Manokan Country will ensure that it remains a beacon for tourism and a source of economic progress for its community of tenants, who have made it a cherished part of Bacolod’s heritage.
Sy also committed to assist in the growth and wellbeing of Manokan tenants. “We will provide financial literacy workshops, safer, new and more sustainable facilities, and a beautiful building that will surely bring in more customers.”
Several Manokan tenants have started operating at the temporary location at SM City Bacolod, while the original site just across the street undergoes improvement.
Aside from the Manokan upgrade, Sy also announced the development of a 20-hectare mixed use SM township where the old Bacolod airport was. He said the area will become “an urban oasis (with) a new upscale shopping and lifestyle center, BPOs and other commercial projects that the business sector and the city will surely benefit from.”
He also took note of the establishment of NU Bacolod, the first Visayas-Mindanao campus of National University that opened Aug. 2024, the development of the North Block, and the planned southwing expansion.
“These exciting projects reflect our unwavering belief in Bacolod’s potential,” Sy stressed. “We ask you to look at us always as our partner, supporting your aspirations of progress ang prosperity to benefit everyone.”
Benitez said in a statement that with Sy’s commitment to Bacolod’s growth, “we are ready for new opportunities and a brighter future” for Bacolodnons. || CGC
